Original Research Article
Sept. 1, 2021
Techno-functional Properties of Armoured Cricket (Acanthoplus discoidalis) Flour
Mugova A. K, Zvidzai C. J, Musundire R
Sch J Eng Tech | 102-112
DOI : 10.36347/sjet.2021.v09i08.001
Abstract
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Acanthoplus discoidalis is an insect that has potential use in new product development because of its nutritional quality. This study focused on function properties of A. discoidalis flour. Protein solubility, bulk density, water and oil holding capacity and foaming and emulsifying properties were determined. Protein solubility values of A. discoidalis protein extract at different temperatures were minimum at pH 5. After sieving of the ground flour, the highest retention yields for both the oven dried and sun dried insect flour were observed at mesh size 150µm thus, 47 % and 45 % respectively. Bulk density ranged from 52.33 to 82.67g/mL. Water holding capacity values ranged from 236 to 183.73g/g. A comparison between the water holding capacity with relation to mesh size revealed that the finer the flour, the lower the water binding capacity. No significant difference (p < 0.05) was observed between water holding capacity of the protein isolate and oven dried A. discoidalis flour ground to 500µm. Oil holding capacity of A. discoidalis flour ranged from 110.57 to 179.67g/g. Significant differences (p < 0.05) for oil holding capacity were observed between air dried and sun dried flour samples. Foaming capacity values of A. discoidalis flour ranged from 4 to 33.83%. Foaming capacity decreased with an increase in mesh size for both the oven dried and sun dried flour samples. No significant difference (p < 0.05) was observed between foaming stability of the protein isolate and that of sun dried flour ground to 300 and 500µm. Emulsion capacity and emulsion stability values ranged from 43.33 to 84.07% and 24.73 to 41.83% respectively. The obtained results could be valuable to industries that would want to take up A. discoidalis in their formulation of improved foods and feeds. Insect flours are rich in protein, good extenders, good thickeners and good gelling agents.
Comparative Simulation-Based Study on Different Active Layers of Organic Solar Cell via GPVDM
Yasir Usman, Khizar Jahangir, Assad U llah Shah, Muhammad Noman Yousaf, Abdul Samad, Allao Ud Din, Ghazi Aman Nowsherwan
Sch J Eng Tech | 113-119
DOI : 10.36347/sjet.2021.v09i08.002
Abstract
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The high strength of organic photovoltaic cells lies in the variety of organic ingredients that can be built and synthesized for absorbers, receptors, and boundaries. Still, we need further development for better performance and existence of the system. In this research study, electrical simulations of different active layer materials have been performed via GPVDM software to observe the outcomes of a solar cell. Furthermore, the electrical simulation has been performed at different active layer thicknesses from 50 nm to 300 nm with active material P3HT: PC70BM. We analyzed by performing simulations with different parameters to observe the best parameters for organic solar cell performance. We observed that absorber layer thickness of 200 nm, hole transport layer of Cu2O, pair of ITO/Al electrodes, and exponential DOS exhibit superior outcomes. At the same time, the highest power conversion efficiency was reported with active layer PTB7:PCB70BM due to its efficient optical properties. Organic solar cells are versatile and gaining popularity for a broad range of applications to keep up with the increasing energy demand and comparatively lower energy payback time.